Fever Fly vs Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fever Fly | Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dilophus febrilis | Wohlfahrtia vigil |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Sarcophagidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America, especially northern United States and Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fever Fly
A small, shiny black march fly with spiny front tibiae used for digging. It was once believed to cause fevers in humans, hence its common name, though it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Its spiny front legs are used by females to dig into soil for egg-laying, an unusual adaptation among flies.
Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly
A large flesh fly found in North America that causes obligate dermal myiasis in small animals including rabbits, mink, and fox kits on fur farms. Females deposit active larvae on the unbroken skin of young animals, and larvae burrow into subcutaneous tissue. Human cases are rare but documented in infants.
Did You Know?
It preferentially attacks the young of furbearing animals, causing significant losses on mink and fox fur farms in North America.